Unit 6 - Lesson 2 - Whisky Aging Flashcards
What happens to whisky after distillation before bottling?
Maturation and blending
Challenge for aged whisky?
Predicting future demand and then determining the size of the warehouse given future blending
Distilleries aged barrels based on what factors:
The type and make of new make spirit, (grain, malt, rye, bourbon, peated or non-peated malt etc.).
The type of cask it will be matured in.
The treatment of the cask it will be matured in.
The spirit age required (either by legislation or by product labelling).
The market’s predicted volume of future sales.
What is a wood policy?
Make
Type and
Treatment of wood
Why is Wood Policy important?
Making sure product is consistent
What wood are most casts made from?
Oak
Minimum age for Scotch Whisky
3 years in oak
Not exceeding 700 L
Scotch Whisky Reds 2009
Irish Whiskey aging?
Wood for 3 years
Irish Whisky Act 1980
American whiskey
No Minimum
Bourbon 2 years new oak & maturation in county were made
5.22 Code of. Fed Regs
How old are water tight barrels?
300-400 BC but holding liquor is new
Are new casks used for whisky?
Pretty much only in Bourbon
Where do the majority of barrels for whisky come from
Used bourbon, port, wine, brandy and sherry barrels
How often can barrels be used?
Several time before they lose ability to help maturation
Name some barrels and size
Butt 700L Hogshead - 250 L American Standard - 191L Puncheon Barrel - 550L Dumpy Puncheon - 463L Port Pipe - 650L Barrique - 225L Quarter Cask - 50L Firkin 40L
What happens during inspection before final filling?
- All Barrels are reviewed for broken/damaged staves
- Looks for Insets in a cask that accelerate maturation (not good)
- Nosing - smell for off-odors
- Then off to filling station - often tanked for off site filing
